A blood pressure reading of 142/92 mmHg is categorized as?

A blood pressure reading of 142/92 mmHg falls within the category of Stage 1 hypertension. According to the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines, Stage 1 hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 130-139 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg. In this case, the systolic value of 142 mmHg indicates that it exceeds the 140 mmHg threshold for Stage 1, confirming the classification.

This reading implies that the individual may be at an increased risk for cardiovascular events and other health complications associated with high blood pressure. The understanding of blood pressure categories is crucial in primary care, as it guides treatment decisions and lifestyle recommendations to manage and potentially lower blood pressure effectively.